Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Macon, GA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Virginia Beach is 80% more expensive than Macon.

$1,649/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 38%
$90,685/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 44%
$366,300 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 55%
$1,704/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 40%
457,066
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $623/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $7,476/year.

Median household income is $39,938/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Macon slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Macon — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Macon?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $623/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Macon?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $39,938/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Macon has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,026/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Macon details →

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